To meet growing demand, it is estimated that global food production will need to double by 2050 (e.g. Godfray et al., 2010) and by that same year it has been proposed that 50% of land needs protecting to halt and reverse biodiversity loss (Wilson, 2016). How to meet rising food demand at the least detriment to biodiversity requires the evaluation of two contrasting alternative modes of land use, described as, either Land Sharing or Land Sparing. This is referred to as the spare or share debate.
Godfray, H. et al. “Food security: the challenge of feeding 9 billion people.” science 327.5967 (2010): 812-818.
Wilson, E. O. (2016). Half-earth: our planet’s fight for life. WW Norton & Company.
Critically evaluate the spare or share debate including the associated political, socio-economic, and ethical issues arising.
